SCWA’s Strategic Approach
To ensure Suffolk County continues to have a drinking water supply that meets or surpasses all regulations, SCWA supports aquifer protection through land preservation, scientific research, and public education.
Pollution Prevention
Protecting the aquifer helps avoid future costs associated with monitoring, treatment, and remediation. Prevention is always preferable to cleanup.
Open Space Preservation
SCWA helped draft the bill that protected the Central Pine Barrens. The Pine Barrens Protection Act has supported the preservation of more than 100,000 acres in central Suffolk County.
Hydrological Research
We partner with the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute (LIGRI) at Stony Brook University to study groundwater hydrology and chemistry.
USGS Monitoring Support
SCWA also supports long-term groundwater monitoring and data collection on emerging contaminants and nitrate trends conducted by the USGS.
Public Outreach
Education is a key part of protecting our water. SCWA programs reach thousands of students and residents each year:
- Student Outreach: Programs for 4th-8th grades covering the water cycle and aquifer protection.
- WaterTalk Forums: Public forums held every two months to provide water quality and infrastructure updates.
- LICAP: Leading the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection to address regional groundwater management.